Navigate To ...

Contractor, remodeler license renewals

Already have what you need to complete an application or renewal? Visit iMS, the department’s online application and renewal system, to get started. 

The information below will help you complete the renewal successfully.

Residential building contractor and remodeler business licenses are on a two-year cycle ending on March 31, with some expiring in odd-numbered years and others in even-numbered years.

Qualifying person status

All licensees have a qualifying person (QP) who has a separate “Q registration” number. A residential building contractor or remodeler license cannot be renewed unless the QP for the license has an active Q registration. Q registrations also have expiration dates that may not be the same as the license expiration date.

QP registrations renew automatically when the QP completes their 14 hours of required DLI-approved continuing education

Secretary of State filing

  • To renew your license, your corporate, LLC or assumed name filing with the Minnesota Secretary of State must be active.

  • Check the status of your Secretary of State filing and update it if necessary.

  • On all license-related documents and filings, your business name must appear EXACTLY as it is filed with the Secretary of State

  • If you have changed your business structure (i.e., going from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or corporation, or from a corporation to an LLC), you will need to apply for a new license for your new business entity as well as file the new entity with the Secretary of State.

Liability and workers' compensation insurance

  • Your license cannot be renewed unless we have current information about your liability insurance policy and your compliance with Minnesota’s workers’ compensation insurance requirements,

  • As part of the online renewal, you will see the insurance information we currently have for your company.

  • If the information is valid and your insurance policies are in force, you will be able to move right to the renewal fee payment if your Secretary of State business filing is active and if your qualifying person's registration is active.

  • If our information is inaccurate, upload a current liability insurance certificate (can be an ACORD form or a DLI form). 

    • Be sure your business name appears on the insurance certificate EXACTLY as it appears on your Secretary of State business filing.

    • Be sure your insurance agent’s signature is on the certificate.

    • Be sure the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry is listed as a “certificate holder” on the certificate.

  • If the workers’ compensation insurance information we have for your company is outdated, you will need to upload a completed workers’ comp insurance compliance form.

  • Liability insurance certificates and workers’ compensation compliance forms can also be emailed to dli.license@state.mn.us.

Renewal fee

Residential building contractor and remodeler business licenses are on a 2-year cycle ending on March 31, with some expiring in odd-numbered years and others in even-numbered years.

For completed license renewals received before the license expiration date, renewal fees are:

  • If gross annual receipts are less than $1 million, the renewal fee is $505.

  • If gross annual receipts are between $1 million and $5 million, the renewal fee is $605.

  • If gross annual receipts are more than $5 million, the renewal fee is $705.

  • A $90 late fee is added when a completed renewal is not received by the license expiration date.

  • Submit renewals as early as possible to avoid delays and a possible lapse in licensure. After a license expires, municipalities cannot issue building permits to contractors whose license renewals have not been processed and approved.

Online renewal through iMS

Questions?

Contact us at 651-284-5034 or dli.license@state.mn.us.